5 Simple Steps to Write an Amazing Cover Letter

Now that you have a resume that will help you stand out from the other applicants, it’s time to write a cover letter that makes the recruiter open that resume.

First, what is a cover letter?

A cover letter is a document that accompanies your resume and is sent to a potential employer to introduce yourself and express your interest in the position you're applying for.?

It's important to understand that your cover letter is your first impression of a potential employer. This is your chance to introduce yourself and show off your personality, so don't be afraid to inject a little personality into your writing. Of course, you still want to maintain a professional tone, but there's no reason why you can't show a little bit of your unique self.

Read on till the end to get a sample Cover Letter free!?

Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of what makes a good cover letter:

1. Start with a strong opening

Your opening sentence should grab readers' attention and make them want to keep reading. Avoid starting with a boring introduction like "I am writing to apply for the position of..." Instead, try something more engaging and attention-grabbing, like "I've been dreaming about this job since the day I was born..." Okay, maybe not that extreme, but you get the idea.

2. Highlight your skills and achievements

The main purpose of a cover letter is to show why you're the perfect candidate for the job. This means highlighting your skills, achievements, and relevant experience. Don't just copy from your resume - use your cover letter to tell a story about your accomplishments and how they make you the best fit for the position.

Pro Tip- Since you're using your resume to highlight your technical expertise, use the cover letter as an opportunity to highlight your soft skills and how you used them in your previous job roles.?

3. Do your research

Before you start writing, do a quick research on the company and the position you're applying for. This will help you tailor your cover letter to the specific needs of the employer.?

Mentioning specific details about the company and how you can contribute to its mission and goals will show that you've done your homework and are truly interested in the job.

4. Keep it short and sweet

Your cover letter should be no more than one page long. Remember, the employer is likely reading dozens, if not hundreds, of cover letters. You want to ensure yours is easy to read and gets straight to the point.

Pro Tip- If you're writing a cover email, make sure to keep it half a page and keep your paragraphs 2-3 lines short.?

5. Proofread, proofread, proofread

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's worth mentioning. Typos and grammatical errors in your cover letter can make you look careless and unprofessional. Before you hit "send," make sure to read over your cover letter multiple times or use apps like #grammarly to weed out the errors.?

Now that we've covered the basics, let's have a little fun. Here are a few examples of what NOT to do when writing your cover letter:

• "I'm not the best candidate for the job, but I figured I'd give it a shot." This does not inspire confidence.
• "I once won a hot dog eating contest, so I know I have what it takes to succeed in this role." While it's great to have a competitive spirit, this might not be the best way to showcase your skills.
• "I'm not sure what this job entails, but it sounds interesting." You need to do your research before applying for any job.

Funny examples aside, now that we know what NOT to do, let’s have a look at an example of how a cover letter should be crafted.

“Dear Ms. Sharma,

Everyone tells me the entry-level consultant position in any of the Big 4 firms is going to be the same. However, after attending 5 career fairs and speaking with over 20 professionals, it has become clear to me ABC stands out from the rest. What stood out to me the most were the energy levels of all the staff and senior consultants I had the privilege to meet.?

Having spent the past 2 summers interning at management consulting firms, I have not only developed robust problem-solving skills but also a flair for project management.?

In my latest role, I was involved in the full life-cycle of a finance project worth US$ 2M: starting with the initial pitch deck all the way to assisting with a Shared Service Center (SSC) analysis. In particular, I received recognition for always being on top of deadlines and ensuring client deliverables were on time.?

Thank you for your time and consideration. I’d be delighted to speak further about the job opportunity My work experiences, coupled with my affinity for project management, would make me an asset to ABC’s Staff Consultant Program. Hope we can connect shortly!”

Warm Regards,?

Vanya Goyal

(Ph. No.)

(email address)

Writing a good cover letter doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a little bit of research, tailoring, and a touch of humor, you can create a cover letter that will catch the recruiter's attention and help you land your dream job. So go forth, job hunters, and write those cover letters with confidence!

This article is written by?Vanya Goyal?(Author | Content Creator | Educator)